Mel Tormé Swings Shubert Alley
Mel Tormé · 1960
39 min · 12 tracks · traditional pop
A vibrant celebration of Broadway standards infused with Tormé's signature smooth vocals and playful jazz arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Too Close for Comfort Start here — This track opens the album with an infectious energy that sets the tone, showcasing Tormé's dynamic vocal range and playful phrasing.
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Once in Love With Amy — Tormé's interpretation highlights his knack for storytelling, effortlessly blending humor and charm within this classic romantic number.
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Just in Time — With its swinging rhythm and heartfelt delivery, this track encapsulates the essence of Tormé's style, merging emotional depth with upbeat instrumentation.
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Whatever Lola Wants — This rendition breathes new life into a classic, with Tormé's smooth vocals navigating the sultry lyrics while maintaining an engaging swing feel.
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Too Darn Hot — A standout performance that showcases Tormé's vocal agility and ability to convey urgency, reflecting both the lyrics' heat and the song’s rhythmic intensity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Tormé's vibrant interpretations of Broadway standards showcase strong arrangements and a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent swing rhythm throughout, with Tormé's vocals often accompanied by a small jazz ensemble that includes brass and piano.
- Each track is arranged to highlight Tormé's vocal phrasing, with instrumental breaks that allow for improvisation and interaction between musicians.
- The sequencing of the tracks maintains an upbeat tempo for the first half before transitioning to more reflective pieces in the latter part of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- lighthearted and playful vibes
- short, engaging listening sessions
- nostalgic, romantic moods
- smooth background ambiance
- dynamic vocal performances
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Tormé's pivotal shift as a jazz interpreter of Broadway standards.
- Themes
- Broadway nostalgia· jazz-infused storytelling· playful romanticism
- Career context
- Released in 1960, Mel Tormé Swings Shubert Alley marked a pivotal moment in Tormé's career as he embraced the role of a jazz interpreter of Broadway classics. This release followed his successful stint in the 1950s as a pop vocalist, showcasing his ability to cross genres and appeal to both jazz aficionados and mainstream audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nat King Cole· Frank Sinatra· Tony Bennett
Tracklist
- 1 Too Close for Comfort Start here 4:07
- 2 Once in Love With Amy 3:14
- 3 A Sleepin' Bee 3:36
- 4 On the Street Where You Live 2:57
- 5 All I Need Is a Girl 3:07
- 6 Just in Time 3:30
- 7 Hello Young Lovers 3:10
- 8 The Surrey With the Fringe on Top 3:02
- 9 Old Devil Moon 2:49
- 10 Whatever Lola Wants 3:23
- 11 Too Darn Hot 2:50
- 12 Lonely Town 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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